Course summary

Study the first ever Masters level qualification that offers research and practical study in Contemporary Pantomime Practice. Developed in association with Wilkes Academy, and supported by the UK's leading pantomime producers, the emphasis of this MA is strongly vocational, allowing for formal industry ‘training’ and careers networking through placements and work experience. Through the MA Contemporary Pantomime Practice, you will negotiate hyper-personalised learning routes, to develop your skillset in areas of pantomime practice you want to advance and explore in your practical study and training. What's more, you will then work with established industry professionals and pantomime experts in workshops and rehearsals to explore these. These may include stock character conventions; audience participation and direct address; slapstick, comic routines and topicality; music, orchestration and sound; movement and choreography; the use of magic, transformation and illusion; scenography and design etc. You will be taught by professionals with real-world experience in the theatre industry, using the fantastic studio spaces and workshop facilities at our award-winning institution. On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MA Contemporary Pantomime Practice Course content You will begin your study by researching the landscape of current pantomime practice from a variety of different perspectives and contexts: commercial, repertory and community. You will explore the impact of past traditions and lineages, investigate and challenge notions of tradition, study regional, national and international differences in the expression of the form; and critically appraise how the impact of the COVID pandemic, and recent advances in digital technologies, has led to innovation and change. Where appropriate, your work will be further contextualised by developments in associated popular art forms including musical theatre, cabaret, drag, variety and circus. You will undertake an Industry placement and associated training opportunities with the UK’s leading pantomime producers and engage in current industry debates e.g., impact of Disney, impact of ‘Me Too’, casting, inclusivity, ethics etc. Working with Be Inspired Staffs, you will learn how to pitch your work and improve your audition, interview and presentation skills, using traditional and digital formats. In the final module, you will collaborate with others to create and produce your own original pantomime, that responds to, reflects and celebrates contemporary British multicultural society. This will be performed in schools, colleges and other venues and you will be encouraged to tour your work to theatres, arts centres and festivals.